Robby Cicciarelli '19 Recruiting Profile

I've just finished my junior high school season, and I'm more determined than ever to improve in track and field and prepare myself well for college. To get there, I know that I have to dedicate myself to the sport, be a good student, and be a good person. I know that I have to achieve smaller goals in order to reach the big one. One smaller goal, which really isn't that small, is to be a "utility player" at the college level, jumping, running, and competing in multis as needed. I run the 200 and 400 today as well as specialize in high jump.  Recently I learned the triple jump and pole vault, and also have past experience as a hurdler and long jumper. I will continue to work on all of the other events for the decathlon so I might be able to help my team in this way, too.

I earned my Varsity letter in track as a sophomore and junior and am proud to have provided points for my team in the conference and sectional meets since my freshman year in high school.

During my freshmen and sophomore years, I was starting safety on my football team. In my sophomore year, I received two awards at the end of the football season. I was voted Defensive Team Captain and a Coach's Bob Burson Award for "exceptional performance on the field, outstanding leadership, scholarship, and genuine love of the game."

Football meant a lot to me too. But track and field is the sport in which I see the brightest future. This spring I made the tough decision to leave football for cross country, so I can focus on becoming a better runner. I also coach high jump for a middle school track team as a volunteer, am a counselor at my high school's track camp, and am a lifeguard at a local pool. I love working with the kids. 

I'm kind of a quiet kid, and I don't like to brag about myself. I like to do the work and let the work show for itself.  I'm a good student. I study hard. I have great friends.

Since this is a personal statement in hopes of being recruited for college sports, I feel like it's important to mention that I participate in both the USATF and AAU Junior Olympics. In the summer of 2016, I qualified for nationals through both associations and competed for AAU in Houston.  In the summer of 2017, I competed in the 17-18 age group as a 16-year-old and qualified for nationals for AAU. In this same age group for USATF, I advanced to the National Qualifier. I have two more summers at this level, and I intend to work as hard as I can to make a podium appearance there and at the IHSA state meet before I finish high school.  

What sets me apart? I work harder than most anyone I've ever met.  I don't quit, no matter the challenge. I love my team and my teammates. I listen to and learn from my coaches. I always give my best, on and off the track.